City council City council (December 19, 2003)

Audit policy adopted

Intending to set to rest the controversy surrounding the selection of the city's external auditor, the city council adopted a policy in which it would select the audit firm.

The selection process became an issue for several candidates in the 2002 city council election, who felt it was not independent enough from the city's own finance department.

Under the new policy, the council finance committee, which is composed of three council members, would interview finalists and then recommend a firm to the full city council.

City code modified

The council accepted several changes to the municipal code, most of which were designed to make it easier to cite violators.

Among the additions were a provision on maintaining wheelchair accessibility on public sidewalks and an amendment allowing commercial storage containers only with the proper permit.

The council also repealed sections prohibiting standing in certain areas when asked to move by a police officer and defining switchblade knives.

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